The Benefit Honored South African Philanthropists Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe and Featured Performances and Appearances from Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Wale, LION BABE, and Chris Rock
Keep a Child Alive’s CEO Peter Twyman recently announced that the 12th annual Black Ball, held at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, raised a total of $3.8 million. The funds will provide HIV treatment, care and support to children, young people and families affected by HIV in Africa and India. Keep a Child Alive’s co-founder, Alicia Keys, hosted the evening and was joined by actor, comedian and director, Chris Rock, who served as the emcee for the night. Additionally, Lenny Kravitz, Wale and LION BABE joined Alicia Keys on stage for unique performance collaborations.
“The energy in the Hammerstein Ballroom at [the] Black Ball was electrifying,” Keys said.
“Everyone in the room was there to do their part, to add their support. It’s not right to me that Africa continues to be disproportionally impacted by AIDS, with too many young lives lost. Last night was about helping to correct that situation.”
This year’s Black Ball honored philanthropist Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe who were recognized for their efforts addressing the issues of social and economic inequality of Africa’s poorest people, and for their generous support of HIV and AIDS initiatives over the years.
“We would like to thank Alicia and the entire staff at KCA,” said Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe when accepting their award. “The work that Alicia does is most inspiring to us. My husband and I are really honored to receive this award, and we thank you for the great work you do.”
During the event, founder Lisa Falcone of Everest Entertainment, an organization that helps to develop films focusing on important issues, made a generous donation of $1 million to assist with KCA’s mission to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“Through Black Ball, Keep a Child Alive elevates awareness and mobilizes support for one of the most urgent and pressing health crises of our time: HIV/AIDS,” said Jho Low, Chief Executive Officer of Jynwel Capital Limited and Director of Jynwel Charitable Foundation Limited. “We are proud to be a partner of KCA and support initiatives that deliver treatment and care to young people living with HIV around the world.”
Along with the performances, guests of the Black Ball enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception and a dinner prepared by Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur & Author Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, transformed the venue into an afrofuturist space.
To date, Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball has raised over $28.7 million for children and families affected by HIV. Past performers at the event have included Jay Z, Bono, Adele, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Nas, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, David Byrne, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, David Bowie and many more incredible artists. This year marks the 9th year that the Black Ball was held at the Manhattan Center’s iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, which is known for its extraordinary performances and unforgettable special events.
